Underlying every decision is a personal motive that pushes people to act certain ways or display certain behaviors. Motivations give reasoning to those actions or behaviors. Without motivations, actions are essentially purposeless. These motivations can stem from greed and jealousy to wanting to satisfy others. In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, written by William Shakespeare, motivations are the basis of many of the critical and consequential decisions made. Motivations prompt the action of questionable decisions and give rationale to the behaviors of key characters throughout the play. Marc Antony’s devotion to Caesar and his longing for revenge on the conspirators is the motivating force behind his actions. From the very beginning, Antony’s …show more content…
Many senators believe Caesar's power is growing out of hand. They begin to realize the threat it poses to themselves and question his right to hold power. Cassius’s prominent jealousy towards that power is evident and he has no problem expressing his opinion about it with others. Cassius protests, “For my single self, / I had as lief not be as live to be / In awe of such a thing as I myself. / I was born as free as Caesar. So were you” (I.ii.96-99). Because Cassius views Caesar as so ordinary, he is jealous of the power he holds. If Caesar were to be truly more powerful and capable of ruling Rome than Cassius, he would not be as offended. More than just once does Cassius express his ill will towards Caesar’s position of influence over Rome and its people. Cassius complains, “Ye gods, it doth amaze me/ A man of such a feeble temper should / So get the start of the majestic world / And bear the palm alone” (I.ii.130-133). Cassius is aware of Caesar’s weaknesses and questions the people yet again as to why Caesar deserves the power he holds. If a man such as Caesar has the ability to rule a city, Cassius wonders why that same man cannot even take care of himself, comparing Caesar to a sick girl. Cassius